Prague - Former European footballer of the year Pavel Nedved has decided to retire from the game rather than continue for another season.

"I have decided not to take up any of the offers of recent weeks and to end definitely my career as a player," he said Wednesday on his website.

The 36-year-old former Juventus, Lazio, Sparta Prague and Dukla Prague midfielder retired from international duty in August 2006 after winning 91 caps for the Czech Republic.

Rome - Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved is set to bid farewell to football in late May, regardless of his side's achievements this season.

The Czech veteran made his announcement late Wednesday after the Champions League game that the Turin side lost 1-0 away to Chelsea.

"I'm still enjoying playing, but considering my physical and mental condition I understand that the time has come to make way for younger players - they deserve to play," the UEFA web site quoted Nedved as saying.